“ Cosmic Superimposition”

The excerpts are from the book “ Cosmic Superimposition” by Wilhelm Reich, M.D., Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York 1973.

Cosmic superimposition: A fundamental function which according to Reich manifests widely in nature. It is the mutual excitation, attraction and fusion, of two or more energy systems. This process is involved in the creation of matter in the universe and the reproduction of living beings.

The function of superimposition
The sexual embrace, if abstracted and reduced to its basic form, represents superimposition and the bio-energetic fusion of two orgonotic systems. Its basic form is the following:

Fig. 2

We have learned to reduce form to movement. Form, in orgonomic functional thinking, is frozen movement. Ample evidence has indicated that superimposition is due to bio-energetic forces functioning beyond voluntary control. The two orgonotic systems involved are driven to superimpose by a force that, under natural conditions, i.e., not restricted by outer or inner hindrances, is beyond their control. It is involuntary bio-energetic action. Basically, this function cannot be stopped, just as the heartbeat or intestinal peristalsis cannot be stopped, except by forceful interference or by death. When two children of different sexes, three to five years old, superimposeand their organisms fuse orgonotically, we are not dealing with propagation, since no new individual will result from this fusion. Neither are we dealing with the “quest for pleasure” in the psychological sense. The pleasure involved in superimposition is the experiential result, and not the driving force of the act. Let us forget for a moment all the complicated higher functions that later are added to natural superimposition. Let us reduce it all to functioning beyond the individual and even the realm of the species. Let us penetrate deeply enough to see this function as an energy process that runs a certain course quite autonomically and with unequivocal effect. If we do this, then we clearly see in it a trans­individual event, something that takes charge of life and governs it.

Further careful observation tells us that bio-energetic superimposition is closely linked with plasmatic excitation and sensations of current in two orgonotic systems, be they children, adolescents, or grownups. It is absolutely necessary, in order to visualize this function in its proper aspects, to abandon all the many social, cultural, economic, psychological, and other implications that, in the case of man, have complicated and all but obliterated its original, bio-energetic functioning.

Reduced and abstracted in its purest form, superimposition in the biological realm appears as the approach through attraction and full bio-energetic contact of two orgonotic streams. Membranes, organs, fluids, nerves, will power, unconscious dynamics, etc., must be discounted here, since they do not constitute superimposition. Superimposition of two orgone streams appears as a common functioning principle (CFP) of nature that fuses two living organisms in a specific manner—specific to the basic natural function, and not to the two organisms. In other words, superimposition of two orgone energy streams reaches, as a function, far beyond biology. It governs other realms of nature, too, as it governs living systems. In order to find out which realms of nature beyond the living realm are governed by superimposition of two orgone energy streams, we must not deviate from its basic form and movement. Orgonometrically abstracted, it is this:

Fig. 3. Basic form of the function “superimposition”

Its functional characteristics are:

1. Two directions of energy flow.

2. Convergence (“attraction”) and mutual approach of the two energy streams.

3. Superimposition and contact.

4. Merger

5. Sharp curving of path of flow.

Finding superimposition in realms of nonliving nature would be a first decisive step toward finding a cardinal root of man in nature, a common functioning principle that, already present and working in nature at large, also permeates in a basic fashion the animal kingdom, including man.

The following is a sweeping generalization. It was pointed out at the very beginning that what we are doing here is no more than flying high above a vast territory, the exploration of which will require painstaking, detailed efforts. We are free later on to abandon parts of it or the whole aspect, should it resist strictest observational and experimental as well as orgonometric scrutiny. We are also free to construct the framework of a future detailed operation, to retain its general features, its layout, and its basic characteristics while changing most of its inner detailed constitution. We are free to leave the confirmation or refutation of this construction to others. However, we would have to remind anyone who would approach a task of such magnitude to be well aware of the broad factual background from which the framework of this workshop construction emerged. To those who never dare to look into microscopes or at the sky, who never sit in an orgone energy accumulator and yet are full of fake “authoritative” opinions about orgonomy, we say in advance: step aside and do not disturb most serious work. Keep quiet, at least!

Years of painstaking observations and functional theory formation have hewn two major pathways into the realm of non-living nature that revealed the function of superimposition to be at work at the very roots of the universe. One pathway leads into the microcosmos, the other into the macrocosmos. Superimposition is the CFP that integrates both into one natural function.

Let us begin with the microcosmic realm. We shall not dwell too long in it since, though the theoretical outlines seem clearly marked, there are many gaps in details essential to a firm foothold. The essence of the microcosmic framework is as follows:

In completely darkened, metal-lined orgone energy observation rooms we can observe luminating orgone energy units pursuing certain pathways as they move spinning forward through space. These pathways distinctly show the form of a spinning wave.

Fig. 4

This was reported on several occasions many years ago without further elaboration. There is now ample, well-reasoned evidence to the effect that two such spiraling and excited orgone energy units attract and approach each other until they superimpose. Thus:

Fig. 5

It is an essential characteristic of our base of operation to assume that the primordial orgone energy ocean is entirely mass-free. Accordingly, mass (inert mass at first) emerges from this mass- free energy substratum. It seems logical further to assume that in the process of superimposition of two mass-free, spiraling, and highly excited orgone energy units, kinetic energy is being lost, the rate of spiraling motion decreases greatly, the path of motion is sharply curved, and a change takes place from long-drawn-out spinning forward toward circular motion on the spot.

Exactly at this point of the process, inert mass emerges from the slowed-down motion of two or more superimposed orgone energy units. It is immaterial whether we call this first bit of inert mass “atom” or “electron” or something else. The basic point is the emergence of inert mass from frozen kinetic energy. This assumption is in full agreement with well-known laws of classical physics. It is also in agreement, as will be shown in a different context, with the quantum theory.

To continue our train of thought, we must further assume that the material, chemical “particles” that compose the atmosphere have originally emerged and are still continuously emerging through superimposition of two or more spinning orgone energy units in the orgone envelope of the planet. It matters little at this point in what particular manner the different material units are created from primordial orgone energy. We restrict our curiosity to the above-mentioned basic change:

INERT MASS IS BEING CREATED BY SUPERIMPOSITION OF TWO OR MORE SPINNING, SPIRALING ORGONE ENERGY UNITS THROUGH LOSS OF KINETIC ENERGY AND SHARP BENDING OF THE ELONGATED PATH TOWARD CIRCULAR MOTION.

A functional relationship is hereby established between the spinning movement of mass-free orgone energy (OR) and inert mass (m), which also characterizes the relationship of heavenly bodies spinning in the surrounding orgone ocean. Spheres or discs of solid matter spin on a spiraling path within a faster-moving, wavy orgone energy ocean, as balls roll forward on a faster-moving, progressing water wave. The exact numerical relationship of the two movements, though of great importance, does not matter at this point. What is important is that a functional relationship has been found between the movements of primordial orgone energy and matter that, for the first time in the history of astrophysics, makes comprehensible the fact that heavenly bodies move in a spinning manner. Furthermore, it makes comprehensible the fact that our sun and our planets move in the same plane and in the same direction, held together in space as a cohesive group of spinning bodies. The spinning wave is the integration of the circular and forward motion of the planets, of their simultaneous rotation on the N—S axis and their movement forward in space. The orgone ocean appears as the primordial mover of the heavenly bodies.

Sharply delineated, new astrophysical problems arise that cannot and should not be discussed at this time. It is sufficient to have them tentatively formulated:

1. It is necessary to assume that the first material particles that were “created” by superimposition of two or more orgone energy units form the nucleus for the growth of the material body. It does not matter at present whether these “core” elements of the future heavenly body are of a gaseous or of a solid nature, or whether they possibly go through a process of development from a gaseous to a solid state. What matters is that a starting point for the development of a heavenly body from primordial energy has been hypothetically established. (Cf. “The Oranur Experiment: First Report (1947-1951),” Orgone Energy Bulettin, October, 1951.)

2. A further logical necessity is the assumption of a GENESIS of the function of gravitational attraction. The growth of the material core particle of the future heavenly body would be accomplished on the basis of the orgonomic potential. The orgonotically stronger body attracts smaller and weaker systems, such as mass-free orgone energy units, and other small bits of primordial matter as they arise in the orgone ocean, which surrounds the first growing core. It would be necessary, furthermore, to distinguish between the orgonotic attraction of two energy waves and the gravitational attraction between two material bodies, i.e., to establish that primordial orgonotic attraction changes functionally into gravitational mass-attraction.

3. From points 1 and 2, we would further have to assume that the growing material core would be permanently surrounded by an orgone energy field which from now on would be subject to the gravitational attraction of that core. This would explain the origin of the orgone envelope of the sun (corona) and of the earth. Both are clearly visible and are governed by basic orgonomic functions such as wavy motion from west to east, faster motion of the envelope than the globe lumination, blue color, and containment within the field of attraction of the material core.

4. The mass-free orgone energy stream that surrounds the material globe, must, due to the orgonotic attraction exerted upon it by the core, separate from the general stream of the cosmic orgone energy ocean and follow the rotation on its axis of the material body. Thus, the cosmic ocean, hitherto unitary, splits up into one major and one minor orgone energy stream. This assumption will be verified by concrete astrophysical functions (cf. fig. 7).

5. The gaseous atmosphere that surrounds the heavenly bodies would necessarily have to emerge through superimposition of mass-free orgone energy units in the revolving orgone energy envelope. This necessary assumption would have to be confirmed in due time by the establishment of the laws that lead from the mass-free orgone energy units to the atomic weights of the gas particles that constitute the gaseous atmosphere.

6. It follows that concentration and condensation would increase toward the core of the rotating body, the heavier elements being located near the center and the lighter elements progressively nearer the periphery, with the lightest gases—helium, hydrogen, argon, neon, etc.—being located at the extreme periphery.

7. In this connection, a most striking functional identity must be mentioned, which so far has not attracted attention in scientific thinking. The chemical elements that constitute the gaseous atmosphere of the planets are identical to the elements that constitute the living orgonotic systems. They are: hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and carbon (C), and their various molecular groupings such as CO2, H2O, C6H12O6, etc. This functional identity must have a deep significance.

The functional identity concerns only the primordial orgone energy functions and the transformations from primordial mass-free to secondary mass-containing functions. From there on, but not previously, the well-known laws of mechanics and chemistry are fully valid. They submit to evolution; they have a genesis. The problem to be solved in detail is how the mechanical and CHEMICAL LAWS ORIGINATED FROM THE FUNCTIONAL PROCESSES IN THE MASS-FREE PRIMORDIAL ORGONE ENERGY OCEAN.

The advantage of our work-hypothesis, as delineated above, is quite obvious. To summarize:

1. It frees us from the clumsy assumption of material bodies rolling in an “empty space,” in a merely mathematically approachable action at a distance in a “field.” The “field” is real, of a measurable, observable, and thus physical nature. Space is not empty but is filled in a continuous manner without gaps.

2. It frees us, furthermore, from the uncomfortable idea that a gravitational attraction, which never could be demonstrated, is exerted by the sun over tremendous distances upon all the planets. The sun and the planets move in the same plane and revolve in the same direction due to the movement and direction of the cosmic orgone energy stream in the galaxy. Thus, the sun does not “attract” anything at all. It is merely the biggest brother of the whole group.

We have done no more than draw a sketch of the transition from the microcosmic to the macrocosmic function. We shall later return to superimposition in the macrocosmic realm in greater detail. But first we must acquaint ourselves with some important functions pertaining to the function of superimposition in the living realm, where it was originally discovered.

We shall concentrate upon two basic functions only:

1. The spinning flow of orgone energy in the living organism (“bio-energy”).

2.The superimposition of two orgone energy streams in living bodies, COPULATION, and the functional meaning of the drive to genital embrace and orgastic discharge.

Superimposition in Galactic Systems

We are turning now toward the macrocosmic phenomena of orgonotic superimposition. The bridge from the microcosmic and bio-energetic to the macrocosmic realm is contained in the well- established principle of the “orgonomic potential.” This basic function is sufficient to explain the growth of microcosmic into macrocosmic orgonotic systems. The first superimposition of two orgone energy units necessarily disturbs the equilibrium of the evenness of distribution of cosmic energy through formation of a first “stronger” energy system. This first stronger system from now onward attracts other, weaker units and thus grows. There is basically no limit to the growth of an orgonotic system except by solidification or freezing of energy into inert mass. This same principle also holds for living orgonotic systems. Solidification of the bone system demonstrates clearly the limitation of infinite growth in metazoa. Similarly, it may be assumed that the formation of a solidifying core in a macrocosmic system must impede its further growth.

However obscure the detailed functions of such growth still may be, classical astrophysical research has already clearly though unknowingly demonstrated that the creation of certain galactic systems is due to superimposition of two cosmic orgone energy streams. Most “spiral galaxies” show two or more arms that unite toward the “core” of the total system.

The following photograph of a spiral nebula was taken at the Mount Wilson Observatory, March 10 and 11, 1910, with the 60-inch reflector telescope (exposure 7 hrs. 30 min.). The nebula is numbered G9—M 101, NGC 5457(fig.26).

Fig. 26. Messier 101, spiral nebula (Mount Wilson photograph)

At least four arms are clearly discernible, and possibly five or six arms constitute the total system. There cannot be any reasonable doubt as to the spiraling motion depicted in the photograph. It is a most impressive picture of cosmic superimposition of more than two cosmic orgone energy streams. At the center we see the nearly circular form of the future “core” where the merger of the various streams takes place. It is the growing initial disc-like core of the galactic system.

Various opinions have been voiced in astrophysical literature as to whether the arms of the spiral nebulae indicate a dissipation or unification of the galactic systems. At least one astronomer, Harlow Shapley, astronomer at Harvard University, expressed the belief that the spiral nebulae with their arms indicate the beginning stage of a growing galaxy. The existence of the orgone energy compels us to support and to qualify this view. It makes many features of the total picture of the spiral nebula comprehensible:

1. The unmistakable expression of the spiraling motion.

2. The rotation of the total system.

3. The superimposition and merger of two or more cosmic energy streams.

4. The beginning solidification of the denser core.

5. The birth of a gravitational center of the total structure.

6. The orgone energy envelope of so many heavenly bodies, which rotates faster than the material core.

7.The differentiation into a hard “core” and a “periphery” with an energy “field” of the heavenly orgonotic system.

Of course, countless problems remain unsolved. However, as a workshop form for future detailed inquiry the orgonomic hypothesis seems most promising and deserves to be tested by observation and measurement.

As an appropriate model for our future workshop tasks, the following assumption regarding the stages in the development of fixed star systems seems necessary.

First phase: Moving streams of cosmic orgone energy, still unformed, structureless, with little or no effective differences in density potentials, the “irregular” galaxy.(fig. 27)

Fig. 27. “Irregular ” galaxy (Mount Wilson photograph)

Second phase: Mutual approach of two or more such cosmic orgone energy streams, followed by superimposition and formation of a spiral nebula with two or more arms (cf. fig. 26).

Third phase: Merger and fusion in the spiraling center followed by concentration and microsuperimposition with the effect of creation of matter and a progressively hardening core, or nucleus.

Fourth phase: Formation of a disc-shaped or spheroidal galaxy; progressive slow-down of total motion; disappearance of the arms of the spiral form, as best represented by Spiral Galaxy NGC 4565 and by NGC 891 in Andromeda (Mount Wilson Observatory photograph, (fig.28).

Here is the natural limit of our survey. It is, however, essential to allow the same functions that govern the formation of galactic systems also to govern the formation of single stars within the galaxy and of single planets around a fixed star. The ring of Saturn seems to demonstrate its origin from a disc-shaped concentration of orgone energy.

The basic form of the cosmic, galactic superimposition is the same as the basic form of organismic and microorgonotic superimposition;(fig.30)

Fig. 30. Cosmic superimposition of two orgone energy streams

The function of cosmic superimposition is most clearly visible in the following illustrations: In the spiral form NGC1042(fig31):

Fig. 31. A drawing from Fig. 32 showing the direction of flow of the two orgone energy streams

Fig. 32. A microdensitor analysis of a spiral form by Miss F. S. Patterson, working on a photograph made at Oak Ridge, according to Shapley’s Galaxies
Here two cosmic orgone streams seem to be approaching each other from nearly exactly opposite regions of space.

Fig. 34. A drawing from fig. 33, showing the direction of flow
of the two orgone energy streams

Here the angle of approach is 180° less approximately 23°-25°.In the spiral form G 10(fig.35):

Fig. 35. Messier 81, spiral form G 10 (Mount Wilson photograph)

Here the approach is nearly exactly from opposite directions in a parallel manner (angle of approach, 180°).

Fig. 36. A drawing from fig. 35 showing the direction of flow
of the two orgone energy streams.

These examples may, for the moment, suffice to demonstrate the high probability of the orgonomic work hypothesis regarding the creation of spiral nebular forms from superimposition of two or more cosmic orgone energy streams. Thus, not matter, particles or dust, but primordial orgone energy would constitute the original “stuff” from which galaxies are made. It is clear that this hypothesis tends to compete with the atomic theory, which places material particles in the form of “cosmic dust” at the very root of cosmic creation. The orgonomic, energetic hypothesis requires that matter emerge from orgone energy through superimposition in the microcosmic domain just as the whole galaxy emerges through superimposition in the macrocosmic domain.

Gravitational Superimposition

(The following is no more than a functional workshop arrangement.)

Any attempt at an orgonomic theory of gravitation must proceed from functional and not mechanical principles. It will, first, have to abandon the absolute, eternal view of gravitation and replace it by the genetic view, according to which the basic natural laws themselves are being created and perish again as do all other natural functions. According to this view, the gravitation of inert masses toward each other must have arisen with the creation of mass from mass-free primal cosmic energy. It will, second, dispose of the mechanical gravitation of classical physics, not by mathematical abstractions, but by the closest possible observation of actual gravitational functions.

It is astonishing to witness the emergence of new insights from changes in theoretical principles. The functional principle of superimposition readily applies to the function of gravitation in the following manner:

The appearance of freely falling bodies misleads the observer into believing that an apple, for instance, falls vertically toward the center of the earth. This is true only with reference to the relationship: earth—apple. However, if we replace this immediate relationship of two variants by the common functioning principle (CFP) of both earth and apple, the orgone energy flow, we see that the apple actually does not fall vertically, and, furthermore, that it never reaches the center of the earth and never will, even if the substance of the earth would permit penetration toward the center. This is demonstrated by the behavior of the moon with respect to the earth. According to Newton, the moon appears to be falling like an apple toward the center of the earth. And the mathematical calculations corroborate this statement. Yet the moon never even reaches the surface of the earth. Thus, a gap exists between theory and appearance. The introduction of a centrifugal force that balances the centripetal falling does not abolish this gap. It only complicates it by introducing a new unknown.

Let us follow the movements of both the moon and the earth with respect to their CFP, the flow of the cosmic orgone ocean. We are then in a position to integrate the appearance with the theory of mass gravitation.

The drawing(fig.49) demonstrates the factual interrelationship. Both moon and earth spin along in space, with their respective open (not closed) pathways mutually approaching and separating again. Therefore, it is not the gravitational masses, but the pathways of the gravitational masses, which meet.

The moon does not “circle around the earth,” since the lines of movements are open, spiraling curves. The moon does not reach the center of the earth. But it reaches actually a point in space where the center of the earth has been or will be sooner or later.

The cosmic orgone energy flow that carries both moon and earth along in the same direction, in the same plane, and in perfect coordination of their speeds, is the true agent of the gravitational free fall. It is with reference to the functional CFP of both earth and moon, the orgone energy stream, that otherwise contradictory statements about gravitation of heavenly bodies are proven to be true:

1. The moon actually falls toward the center of the earth. But it is also true that the actual material center of the earth is no longer present where, at that specific moment, the center of the moon passes through on its run “around” the earth.

2. It is apparently true that there is a “pull” exerted by the earth upon falling bodies. But functionally, it is not due to a pull by the inert mass of the earth—which could never be demonstrated; it is due to the primordial converging movement of two orgone energy streams. This has been demonstrated in connection with the formation of galaxies. Gravitation as a function of converging streams of primordial energy is strongly suggested by the basic natural function of SUPERIMPOSITION of two orgonotic streams. Thus, it is again the CFP, the cosmic orgone energy stream, that accounts for the “gravitational pull.”

3. It is also true that the actual falling of the moon toward the center of the earth is counteracted by an equal force acting in an opposite direction, resulting in an apparently circular motion around the earth’s center. The moon never reaches the actual center of the earth, but it reaches the virtual center or, in other words, the point in space where the center of the earth had been a short while ago or will be a short while later.

It is fascinating to study these functions of nature as they are reflected in the searching mind of man, being true and untrue at the same time, depending on the point of view applied in the particular case.

To summarize:

The function of gravitation is real. It is, however, not the result of mass attraction but of the converging movements of two orgone energy streams. From these converging streams the “attracting ” and “gravitational” masses once emerged and they are still carried along in the universe by the same streams in an integrated, unitary fashion as expressed in their common direction of movement, their common plane of motion, the mutual approach of their centers, and the mutually coordinated speed of their spinning motion(fig.50)

This seems to provide a solid framework for workshop activities for the future detailed elaboration and numerical definition of the planetary movements. The hypothesis of gravitation as a function of the superimposition of orgone energy streams is well deserving of close attention, paired with utmost caution and strict factual scrutiny of its realities.